Paddling enthusiasts from the Bennington Conservation Commission were joined by rowers from Hillsborough, Stoddard, Florida and Connecticut for the Canoe the Contoocook event Saturday.

Rowers gathered on the shores of the Contoocook River in the shadow of the covered bridge on Forest Road, and were greeted by a brief shower shortly after launching toward Peterborough. As they weaved their way through the river, they saw water lilies, elderberry bushes, kingfishers overhead and turtles sunning themselves.

The five-mile trip ended at the Powdermill Pond Boat Ramp. Now in its seventh year, the paddle has become a way to celebrate the Contoocook River and a way to begin the summer’s recreational activities. This three-hour tour of the river is sponsored by the Bennington Conservation Commission and is held the last Saturday in June.

For more information about the conservation commission, contact them at benningtonconservation@gmail.com.